Magnetic Eyelash Curler

ABSTRACT

An eyelash curler, includes an eyelash curling press assembly having an eyelash pressing cylinder and an eyelash curling base assembly including an eyelash receiving trough. The eyelash receiving trough receives and engages the eyelash pressing cylinder. The eyelash receiving trough is movable relative to the eyelash pressing cylinder. The eyelash curler has a first, open, operative orientation, having a gap between the eyelash receiving trough and the eyelash pressing cylinder, and a second, closed, operative orientation, wherein an exterior of the eyelash pressing cylinder engages a surface of the eyelash receiving trough. The eyelash receiving trough and the eyelash pressing cylinder are curved and are sized and configured such that a contour thereof is adapted to engage the entirety of an eyelid of a user.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

The disclosed technology relates generally to beauty devices, and more specifically to a magnetic eyelash curler.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

Eyelash curlers have been used, typically by women, since the 1920s, and the structure thereof hasn't changed much since initially patented in 1931. Typically, eyelash curlers include two curved planes, adapted to hold the eyelashes therebetween and to apply pressure thereto so as to curl the eyelashes. The curved planes are typically manipulated by the user via a pivoting arrangement, similar to the use of scissors.

However, the use of curved planes, as in the prior art, can create an unnatural and bent look, due to the sharp edge of the planes. As such, prior art eyelash curlers require application of the curler multiple times, each time moving the curler slightly further away from the roots of the lashes, so as to avoid such a sharp bend. This process is time consuming and can be very frustrating and even painful if not applied properly.

Furthermore, in prior art curlers, the amount of pressure applied on the eyelashes is dependent on the force applied by the user. If the user presses too hard, that may cause pain, particularly when the curler is placed close to the roots of the eyelashes and the skin of the eyelid can be pinched. By contrast, if the user does not press hard enough, there will be no curling effect.

As such, there is a need in the art for an eyelash curler that is independent of the pressure applied by the user, and that provides eyelash curling, without any visible sharp bends, in a single step.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, an eyelash curler, includes first and second handle portions, pivotable relative to each other about a fulcrum, each including a finger engaging loop. An eyelash curling press assembly is fixedly attached to an end of the first handle portion, and includes an eyelash pressing cylinder. An eyelash curling base assembly, is slidable along the first handle portion and is attached to the second handle portion. The eyelash curling base assembly including an eyelash receiving trough sized and configured to receive and to engage the eyelash pressing cylinder.

The eyelash curler has a first, open, operative orientation, in which the finger engaging loops of the first and second handle portions are disposed at a first distance from each other, and a gap is formed between the eyelash receiving trough and the eyelash pressing cylinder. The eyelash curler has a second, closed, operative orientation, in which the finger engaging loops are disposed at a second distance from each other, smaller than the first distance, and an exterior surface of the eyelash pressing cylinder engages a surface of the eyelash receiving trough.

The eyelash receiving trough and the eyelash pressing cylinder are curved, and are sized such that a contour thereof is adapted to engage the entirety of an eyelid of a user.

In some embodiments, the eyelash pressing cylinder includes at least one first magnet, the eyelash receiving trough has at least one second magnet disposed therein or therebeneath, and in the closed operative orientation, the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet attract one another.

In some embodiments, the first handle portions includes a first bent wire, and the second handle portion includes a second bent wire.

In some such embodiments, the second bent wire has a bore formed therein, and the second handle portion further includes a third bent wire extending through the bore, the third bent wire being rotatable relative to the second wire portion and being fixedly attached to the eyelash curling base assembly.

In some embodiments, at the fulcrum, the second bent wire extends between two portions of the first bent wire.

In some other embodiments, the eyelash curler includes an eyelash curling press assembly including an eyelash pressing cylinder, and an eyelash curling base assembly including an eyelash receiving trough sized and configured to receive and to engage the eyelash pressing cylinder, the eyelash receiving trough being movable relative to the eyelash pressing cylinder.

In such embodiments, the eyelash curler has a first, open, operative orientation, in which a gap is formed between the eyelash receiving trough and the eyelash pressing cylinder, and a second, closed, operative orientation, in which an exterior surface of the eyelash pressing cylinder engages a surface of the eyelash receiving trough, and the eyelash receiving trough and the eyelash pressing cylinder are curved and are sized and configured such that a contour thereof is adapted to engage the entirety of an eyelid of a user.

Embodiments described with reference to the device of the disclosed technology are equally applicable to methods of use thereof.

“Substantially,” “substantially shown,” “and “generally” for purposes of this specification, are defined as “at least 90%,” or as otherwise indicated. Any device can “comprise” or “consist of” the devices mentioned there-in, as limited by the claims. Any device recited in the specification is within an acceptable tolerance level known in the art, exactly as defined, and/or substantially as described.

It should be understood that the use of “and/or” is defined inclusively such that the term “a and/or b” should be read to include the sets: “a and b,” “a or b,” “a,” “b.”

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B, show front and back perspective views, respectively, of an eyelash curler according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology, in an open operative orientation.

FIGS. 2A and 2B shows a side plan view illustrations of the eyelash curler of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in open and closed operative orientations, respectively.

FIG. 3 shows a front plan view illustration of the eyelash curler of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the open operative orientation.

FIG. 4 shows a rear plan view illustration of the eyelash curler of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the open operative orientation.

FIG. 5 shows a top plan view illustration of the eyelash curler of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the open operative orientation.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom plan view illustration of the eyelash curler of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the open operative orientation.

FIGS. 7A and 7B, respectively, show an exploded perspective view illustration and a constructed perspective view illustration of an eyelash curling portion of the eyelash curler of FIGS. 1 to 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the eyelash curler of FIGS. 1A to 7B, during use thereof.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are partially cutaway schematic illustrations of the eyelash curler of FIGS. 1A to 7B during use thereof, in open and closed operative orientations, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

An eyelash curler, includes first and second handle portions, pivotable relative to each other about a fulcrum, each including a finger engaging loop. An eyelash curling press assembly is fixedly attached to an end of the first handle portion, and includes an eyelash pressing cylinder. An eyelash curling base assembly, is slidable along the first handle portion and is attached to the second handle portion. The eyelash curling base assembly including an eyelash receiving trough sized and configured to receive and to engage the eyelash pressing cylinder.

The eyelash curler has a first, open, operative orientation, in which the finger engaging loops of the first and second handle portions are disposed at a first distance from each other, and a gap is formed between the eyelash receiving trough and the eyelash pressing cylinder. The eyelash curler has a second, closed, operative orientation, in which the finger engaging loops are disposed at a second distance from each other, smaller than the first distance, and an exterior surface of the eyelash pressing cylinder engages a surface of the eyelash receiving trough.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become clearer in view of the following description of the drawings.

References to direction (e.g. “top” or “up”, “bottom” or “down”, “front” or forward“, and “back” or “backward”), for purposes of this specification refer to the direction when the eyelash curler is used by a person, curling their upper lashes, e.g., relative to the person's head.

Discussing FIGS. 1A to 6, which illustrate the structure of eyelash curler 100, it is seen that the eyelash curler includes a first handle portion 102 a and a second handle portion 102 b, such that first handle portion 102 a is pivotable relative to second handle portion 102 b.

First handle portion 102 a includes a bent wire 106, having first and second end portions 108. Extending downwardly from each of end portions 108 is a generally linear curler engaging segment 110, such that curler engaging segments 110 are substantially parallel to one another, and have a flattened portion defining a planar surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the planar surfaces of curler engaging segments 110 face away from each other (see also FIG. 7A). Extending downwardly from each of curler engaging segments 110, and at an obtuse angle thereto, is an interim segment 112. An angle is also formed between the two interim segments 112. The angle between a curler engaging segment 110 and an interim segment 112 is indicated by

, and the angle between the two interim segments 112 is indicated by β, in FIG. 3. The angle β between the two interim segments 112 may be an obtuse angle, a right angle, or an acute angle. Extending from interim segments 112, in a general downward direction, are a pair of base segments 114, which are substantially parallel to one another and have a gap therebetween. Each base segment 114 includes a flattened region 116 which has a smaller thickness than the remainder of the base segment and includes planar surfaces as opposed to the substantially circular structure of base segments 114. Between base segments 114, wire 116 forms a loop 118 adapted for a user to engage one or more fingers therewith, similar to the finger loop of a pair of scissors.

Second handle portion 102 b includes a bent wire 120, having first and second end segments 122 which are substantially parallel to one another and engage one another. Extending from end segments 122, and being angled relative thereto at an obtuse angle γ (see FIG. 2A), are a pair of base segments 124, which are substantially parallel to one another. Between base segments 124, wire 120 forms a loop 128 adapted for a user to engage one or more fingers therewith, similar to the finger loop of a pair of scissors. First and second end segments 122 are flattened relative to the remainder of wire 120, and planar surfaces, whereas the remainder of wire 120 is substantially circular. A pair of bores 129 are formed in first and second end segments 122 of bent wire 120, the bores being aligned with each other.

Flattened first and second end segments 122 of second handle portion 102 b are received in the gap between flattened regions 116 of first handle portion 102 a, and a fulcrum 130 extends through all four segments, such that second handle portion 102 b is rotatable relative to first handle portion 102 a.

A third wire 140 is disposed within bores 129 of second handle portion 102 b, and forms part of the second handle portion. Third wire 140 is substantially symmetrical. A central segment 142 of third wire 140, which is a substantially U-shaped segment, extends through the bores 129, such that the lowest point of the U-shape is within the bores. From each end of central segment 142 extends a slanted segment 144, disposed at an obtuse angle δ (see FIG. 2A) to central segment 142. A secondary curler engagement segment 146 extends upwards from the end of each slanted segment 144 at an obtuse angle μ thereto (see FIG. 2A), such that secondary curler engagement segment 146 extends along an imaginary line (indicated by L in FIG. 2A) which imaginary line is substantially parallel to the linear portions of U-shaped central segment 142.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the eyelash curler 100 further includes an eyelash curling portion 150, including an eyelash curling base 152 and an eyelash curling press 154. Eyelash curling base 152 includes a base portion 160, which is slightly curved upwards to define a small volume, and is also curved such that a contour of a forward facing edge 162 thereof, is configured to match the contour of a person's eyelid, at the roots of the eyelashes. Disposed on an upper surface of base portion 160 are a plurality of magnets 164, illustrated as circular magnets. At opposing ends thereof, base portion is attached, via mounting blocks 165, to mounting rings 166.

Eyelash curling base 152 further includes an eyelash receiving trough 170, having an upper surface 171. Eyelash receiving trough 170 has a substantially U-shaped cross section and has a curvature corresponding to that of base portion 160, and of the contour of a person's eyelid. Eyelash receiving trough 170 includes a pair of slots 172, adapted to receive part of mounting blocks 165, when eyelash receiving trough is mounted onto base portion 160, as seen in FIG. 7B.

As seen in FIG. 7B, mounting rings 166 of base portion 160 are slidably mounted onto curler engaging segments 110 of first handle portion 102 a. A lower surface of base portion 160 is attached to secondary curler engagement segments 146, which are connected to second handle portion 102 b via bores 129, and are rotatable relative to second handle portion 102 b. As such, and as explained in further detail hereinbelow, motion of second handle portion 102 b causes slidable motion of eyelash curling base 152 along curler engaging segments 110.

Eyelash curling press 154 includes a pressing cylinder 180, which is sized and configured to fit within the U-shaped eyelash receiving trough 170, and has a corresponding curvature. Additional magnets 184 are disposed within pressing cylinder 180. The positions of magnets 184 along the curvature of pressing cylinder 180 may correspond to positions of magnets 164 in base portion 160. Connected at opposing ends of pressing cylinder 180, for example via a cylindrical curved rod 185 extending concentrically through cylinder 180, are a pair of engagement caps 186, having a cylindrical body, a closed upper surface, and an open lower end. As seen in FIG. 7B, each of engagement caps 186 is mounted onto an end of a corresponding curler engaging segment 110, such that eyelash curling press 154 is disposed at a fixed position relative to first handle portion 102 b.

In a first, open, operative orientation of eyelash curler 100, illustrated clearly in FIG. 2A, the loops 118 and 128 of respective handle portions 102 a and 102 b are distant from each other. In this position, eyelash curling base 152 is disposed at a low point along curler engaging segments 110, such that a gap is formed between eyelash curling base 152 and eyelash curling press 154. At the same time, bores 129 of second handle portion 102 b are disposed at a height slightly lower than fulcrum 130. By contrast, in a second, closed, operative orientation of eyelash curler 100, illustrated clearly in FIG. 2B, the loops 118 and 128 of respective handle portions 102 a and 102 b are significantly closer to each other. In this position, eyelash curling base 152 is disposed at a high point along curler engaging segments 110, just below eyelash curling press 154, such that pressing cylinder 180 engages upper surface 171 of eyelash receiving trough 170 and applies pressure thereto. At the same time, bores 129 of second handle portion 102 b are disposed at a height higher than fulcrum 130.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 9B, in use, the user brings the front side of eyelash curler 100, while it is in the open position of FIG. 2A, towards the eye, to allow the eyelashes to enter the gap between pressing cylinder 180 and eyelash receiving trough 170. The user then presses loops 118 and 128 of respective handle portions 102 a and 102 b, causing eyelash curling base to rise towards eyelash curling press 154, and the eyelashes to be pressed between eyelash receiving trough 170 and pressing cylinder 180. The curved contours of eyelash receiving trough 170 and pressing cylinder 180, together with the pressure applied by the user, result in curving of the eyelashes without introducing any sharp bends, and without requiring the user to apply the eyelash curler multiple times, as is the case in prior art curlers.

It is a particular feature of the disclosed technology that magnets 164 and 184 attract each other as the eyelash receiving trough 170 and the pressing cylinder 180 become closer together, and ensure complete engagement of the eyelash receiving trough and the pressing cylinder, even if the user did not fully close the distance between loops 118 and 128.

The curvature of eyelash curling base 152 and of eyelash curling base 154 allow the user to bring the curler right up to the eyelashes along the entire length of the eyelid, as seen in FIG. 8, and prevent the need to apply the eyelash curler multiple times.

To remove the eyelash curler from the eyelid, the user increases the distance between loops 118 and 128, in a motion similar to that of opening scissors, which results in eyelash curling base 154 sliding down the handle away from eyelash curling press 154 to form a gap, following which the user can move the eyelash curler 100 away from the eye.

While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Combinations of any of the methods, systems, and devices described hereinabove are also contemplated and within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. An eyelash curler, comprising: first and second handle portions, pivotable relative to each other about a fulcrum, each including a finger engaging loop; an eyelash curling press assembly, fixedly attached to an end of said first handle portion, and including an eyelash pressing cylinder; and an eyelash curling base assembly, slidable along said first handle portion and attached to said second handle portion, said eyelash curling base assembly including an eyelash receiving trough sized and configured to receive and to engage said eyelash pressing cylinder, wherein said eyelash curler has a first, open, operative orientation, in which said finger engaging loops of said first and second handle portions are disposed at a first distance from each other, and a gap is formed between said eyelash receiving trough and said eyelash pressing cylinder, and a second, closed, operative orientation, in which said finger engaging loops are disposed at a second distance from each other, smaller than said first distance, and an exterior surface of said eyelash pressing cylinder engages a surface of said eyelash receiving trough, and wherein said eyelash receiving trough and said eyelash pressing cylinder are curved, and are sized such that a contour thereof is adapted to engage the entirety of an eyelid of a user.
 2. The eyelash curler of claim 1, wherein: said eyelash pressing cylinder includes at least one first magnet; said eyelash receiving trough has at least one second magnet disposed therein or therebeneath; and in said closed operative orientation, said at least one first magnet and said at least one second magnet attract one another.
 3. The eyelash curler of claim 1, wherein said first handle portions comprises a first bent wire, and said second handle portion comprises a second bent wire.
 4. The eyelash curler of claim 3, wherein said second bent wire has a bore formed therein, and said second handle portion further includes a third bent wire extending through said bore, said third bent wire being rotatable relative to said second wire portion and being fixedly attached to said eyelash curling base assembly.
 5. The eyelash curler of claim 3, wherein, at said fulcrum, said second bent wire extends between two portions of said first bent wire.
 6. An eyelash curler, comprising: first and second handle portions, pivotable relative to each other about a fulcrum, each including a finger engaging loop; an eyelash curling press assembly, fixedly attached to an end of said first handle portion, and including an eyelash pressing cylinder having disposed therein at least one first magnet; and an eyelash curling base assembly, slidable along said first handle portion and fixedly attached to said second handle portion, said eyelash curling base assembly including: an eyelash receiving trough sized and configured to receive and to engage said eyelash pressing cylinder; and at least one second magnet disposed within or beneath said eyelash receiving trough.
 7. The eyelash curler of claim 6, wherein said eyelash curler has a first, open, operative orientation, in which said finger engaging loops of said first and second handle portions are disposed at a first distance from each other, and a gap is formed between said eyelash receiving trough and said eyelash pressing cylinder, and a second, closed, operative orientation, in which said finger engaging loops are disposed at a second distance from each other, smaller than said first distance, an exterior surface of said eyelash pressing cylinder engages a surface of said eyelash receiving trough, and said at least one first magnet and said at least one second magnet attract one another.
 8. The eyelash curler of claim 6, wherein said eyelash receiving trough and said eyelash pressing cylinder are curved, such that a contour thereof matches a contour of an eyelid of a user.
 9. The eyelash curler of claim 6, wherein said eyelash pressing cylinder and said eyelash receiving trough are sized and configured to engage an entire eyelash hairline of an upper eyelid of a human eye, at once.
 10. The eyelash curler of claim 6, wherein said first handle portions comprises a first bent wire, and said second handle portion comprises a second bent wire.
 11. The eyelash curler of claim 10, wherein said second bent wire has a bore formed therein, and said second handle portion further includes a third bent wire extending through said bore, said third bent wire being rotatable relative to said second wire portion and being fixedly attached to said eyelash curling base assembly.
 12. The eyelash curler of claim 10, wherein, at said fulcrum, said second bent wire extends between two portions of said first bent wire.
 13. An eyelash curler, comprising: an eyelash curling press assembly including an eyelash pressing cylinder; and an eyelash curling base assembly including an eyelash receiving trough sized and configured to receive and to engage said eyelash pressing cylinder, said eyelash receiving trough being movable relative to said eyelash pressing cylinder, wherein said eyelash curler has a first, open, operative orientation, in which a gap is formed between said eyelash receiving trough and said eyelash pressing cylinder, and a second, closed, operative orientation, in which an exterior surface of said eyelash pressing cylinder engages a surface of said eyelash receiving trough, and wherein said eyelash receiving trough and said eyelash pressing cylinder are curved and are sized and configured such that a contour thereof is adapted to engage the entirety of an eyelid of a user.
 14. The eyelash curler of claim 13, wherein: said eyelash pressing cylinder includes at least one first magnet; said eyelash receiving trough has at least one second magnet disposed therein or therebeneath; and in said closed operative orientation, said at least one first magnet and said at least one second magnet attract one another.
 15. The eyelash curler of claim 13, further comprising a first handle portion and a second handle portion rotatable relative to each other about a fulcrum, wherein rotation of said first handle portion relative to said second handle portion causes said relative movement between said eyelash curling base and said eyelash curling press.
 16. The eyelash curler of claim 15, wherein said relative movement is a linear movement.
 17. The eyelash curler of claim 15, wherein said first handle portions comprises a first bent wire, and said second handle portion comprises a second bent wire.
 18. The eyelash curler of claim 17, wherein said eyelash curling base is slidable along said first bent wire and is attached to said second bent wire, and said eyelash curling press is fixedly attached to said first bent wire. 